Is sitting on the couch in front of the TV sexy? What if I'm watching PBS? No? Darn! Guess it's time for me to turn off the TV and open a book -- or a Nook. Ha! Tote bags are $14 at Naka, the tiny yet terrific indie boutique at 171 W. 9 Mile, Ferndale, 248-582-9113 or nakastore.com.

by Georgea Kovanis, shopping divavia mobile12/1/2011 5:22:15 AM

Do you have a favorite independent store? If so, I'd love you to clue me in! Always looking for new places to shop, shop, shop! Contact me here at the blog. Or at gkovanis@freepress.com Thanks!!!

by Georgea Kovanis, shopping diva12/1/2011 4:01:37 PM

Lots going on this weekend -- the Potters Market, Noel Night, (see earlier blog posts) and now a couple more:

-- The Detroit Urban Craft Fair, a festival of handmade goods, is to take place from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sat. and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sun. at the Masonic Temple in Detroit. Info: www.detroiturbancraftfair.com.

--Reignite Retail -- which will include a number of local retialers, artists and designers -- will take place from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Fri. and Sat. in the lobby of the Fisher Building in Detroit.

by Georgea Kovanis, shopping diva12/1/2011 10:37:19 PM

Just in time for the holiday shopping season, Somerset Collection CityLoft is spruced up and open for business tonight, Friday and Saturday.

The downtown Detroit shopping destination features stores from the fancy schmancy Somerset Collecton in Troy.

This is quite possibly the most expensive holiday sweater on the planet! It's cashmere, it's by Sonya Rykiel and it's $1,120 at www.net-a-porter.com. Let's all buy one!!

by Georgea Kovanis, shopping diva12/2/2011 6:02:41 PM

Does it get any better than scorching hot guys holding puppies, kittens and other baby animals? No, my friends, it does not. Which is what makes this 2012 calendar that's capturing the attention of bloggers everywhere so absolutely brilliant. We get a double dose of irresistible! Buy one for every woman and man who likes men that you know! "Hot Guys

by Georgea Kovanis, shopping diva12/2/2011 6:43:37 PM

Lord & Taylor sale of the day: cashmere sweaters for men and for women -- $59.99-$74.00. A great deal! Available at Lord & Taylor stores, lordandtaylor.com

by Georgea Kovanis, shopping diva12/2/2011 7:27:49 PM

How much do I love the Garnet Hill catalog and website? I love it to the moon and back!

And here's why.

Garnet Hill is full of great, original clothing (the cardigans and dresses are especially fun) that runs a little on the large side, household items and gifties you won't see anywhere else. The customer service is terrific. Packages arrive promptly. And ... there's always a sale-of-the-day. (Friday's items stay on sale through the weekend.)

On sale right now? These wacky pillow trees. I have them. -- bought them on sale a couple years ago. They make me smile. They make my guests smile. What more could I want?

The shop that will sell clothing for men and women, including some consignment clothing. Plus, cool jewels and accessories is scheduled to open at 5 pm tomorrow for Noel Night in Detroit's cultural center area.

Located at 15 Kirby, inside the Park Shelton in Detroit, the shop's walls feature grand, vintage woodwork that until recently was covered with drywall. Many of the store fixtures are antique pieces.

The clothing I spotted included faux fur vests, romantic-looking tops and fun metallic sweaters. Most everything in the store will be under $100, according to owner Rachel Lutz, who said she'll probably end up pulling an all-nighter to get everything ready for the opening.